TheSamba.com :: View topic - Who built this jeep/thingish tan camo car in AZ?

Sat Nov 29, 2014 6:14 am

I have a future project in the planning stage and am doing something along the lines of this car. Would love to hook up with the builder to pick their brain.
Seems like there are some Empi Sportster ideas or components, but its pretty different in many ways.

License plate is from AZ. Any info on the builder?

Sun Nov 30, 2014 4:52 am

I think I figured out what this was - pretty sure it is called a Vweep - built by a company in AZ. Makes sense.

Sun Nov 30, 2014 1:49 pm

looks like an Empi Sportster to me.

Sun Nov 30, 2014 6:47 pm

Steve22 wrote: looks like an Empi Sportster to me.

That is what I though originally, I even got the plans for a Sportster, but the more I look at it and the sportster, its way too different. But was hoping it was and I could pick the brain of the builder to find out how they dod a few things.

Not a huge deal though. I will end up doing like I do, which is use somebody's plans as a stepping off point and do my own design. I just have to wrap my arms around what I really want the car to be, but can get the pan done until I figure that out. Thanks for responding.

Mon Dec 01, 2014 10:40 am

No, that's definitely not a VWeep. Its a modified homebuilt Sportster. VWeeps were factory built, they only made five.

This is a VWeep

Mon Dec 01, 2014 11:18 am

Who has the other 4? I need one. Xmas is almost here.

Mon Dec 01, 2014 1:45 pm

I'll take one too ho ho ho 8)

Mon Dec 01, 2014 2:03 pm

OK - I had researched the Vweeps as much as I could and I didnt know how many were actually built. But it looked more like that than the Sportster to me.

OK - Then would really love to find the builder. I am assuming that I wouldnt be able to do a license plate search for AZ unless somebody on here has "connections".

Fri Dec 26, 2014 6:12 pm

You looking for the original manufacturer or the owner that did the military themed customization?

I've seen that top rack hundreds of times. Looks like a totally custom support frame. Can't tell if there's a roll cage under there but there would be if it were mine.
Roof and doors look like standard marine canvas shop work. Doors look like custom ezpz frames covered in canvas/sunbrella type material, as does the roof.
Stacks? Certainly plenty of sources or muffler shops to work that up. Grab a couple jerry cans and racks at the local swap or surplus store.

Plenty of sources for sand colored paint.

Be resourceful and creative.
Search around for a Sportster,(which personally I think that is anyway, it just has running boards. ) they are very similar and far easier to find and modify. There are a few full- pan versions around that would make a great and similar off road macheen ;)

Sat Dec 27, 2014 6:47 am

At this point, I am pretty sure that I have abandoned this idea. I am a real stickler for details and I could not pull this off without canabilizing some real old stuff, which I wont do. The concept was a "what if" - as in if WWII Germany developed a "scout car" or lighter "quick" transport or small truck . Would be pseudo Kubelwagen, but different. The devil is in the details and that's where I got stalled. To pull off a reasonably accurate "phantom" would be more money and work than it would be worth to me - would be different if I was a military or WWII nut, but I am not.

So - right now I have a semi-restored 67 pan that is going to wait for the right project. In the meantime researching and searching for a Model T which will be interesting if I decide to do it.........(VW drivetrain)

Sat Dec 27, 2014 8:29 pm

Plenty of discussion and history of VW powered model t's out there. Still like the front engine- track-t style idea.

Sat Dec 27, 2014 10:45 pm

Regarding the initial question - self-built fiberglass body and fenders would be ideal and no cannibalizing required

Sun Dec 28, 2014 5:15 am

HeidelbergJohn4.0 wrote: Plenty of discussion and history of VW powered model t's out there. Still like the front engine- track-t style idea.

Any links would be appreciated - Track T and T-buckets are cool, but not what I have in mind for this project.

Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:22 am

There's plans for sportsters so you could make your own body and tweekers it how you want it.

Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:52 am

No longer interested in doing this project - already have sportster plans anyway. Thanks anyway.